(Los Angeles, CA – July 26, 2016) — The Living Legends Foundation,® Inc. (LLF) announces its 25th Anniversary celebration and the 2016 honorees for the 20th Living Legends Annual Awards Gala. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m. at Taglyan Cultural Complex, 1201 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, CA.

The Living Legends Foundation,® Inc. will honor seven distinguished individuals including Miller London, CEO of Russell Street Entertainment/CEG Music and LLF board member, who will be presented with the Chairman’s Award. Tony Gray, founder and President of Gray Communications and LLF Advisory board member will receive the Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award. Larry Khan, Senior Vice President of Urban Promotion at Interscope Records will be presented with the Music Label Executive Award. Sheila Eldridge, CEO of Miles Ahead Entertainment will receive the Entrepreneur Award. Jamie Brown, founder of Sister 2 Sister magazine will be presented with Media Executive Award. Herb Trawick, creator, executive producer and co-host of Pensado’s Place will receive the Creative Visionary Award. Regina Jones, founder and editor of SOUL newspaper will be presented with the Legacy Award in celebration of SOUL newspaper’s 50th Anniversary. Troy Carter, founder of Atom Factory and Global Head of Creator Services for Spotify serves as the Honorary Event Chairperson for the Living Legends Awards Dinner and Gala. Gail Mitchell, senior correspondent of Billboard magazine is the Event Chairperson and Pat Shields, Partner of Black Dot, LLC and LLF Officer is the Dinner Committee Chairperson.

This year’s honorees reflect the diversity and growth in a challenging business that is constantly evolving. The LLF continues its core mission to honor industry pioneers and professionals who are breaking new ground in the arenas of broadcasting, recorded music, and other allied fields such as publicity, marketing and publishing. “We look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary in Los Angeles, where it all started,” says David Linton, Chairman of the Living Legends Foundation. “In the coming weeks, we will announce some of the organization’s new initiatives and long-term programs that will further assist our community who at times, experience challenging and difficult times.”

The Living Legends Foundation,® Inc. is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization and has been funded primarily with corporate contributions and individual donations. The 25-year-old organization has expanded its mission to provide assistance to those who have served the music industry and who have a confirmable need. This assistance is provided in a manner that maintains the dignity of those who may receive financial help. Many former music industry employees worked during a time when 401K’s and retirement packages were not available—and even today, in this era of downsizing and mergers, the uncertainty of career stability within the industry has grown. Proceeds from the event will enable the LLF to continue to aid those in need.

It Needs To BE CED

Who is BIG CED?

Big Ced is an OG cool guy who has been through hip hop history and witnessed the birth of a culture.

Casey GaneFreelance Journalist, Musician, FilmmakerNew York, NY

“Big CED is a stand up dude who has always helped me in securing coverage for the artists and projects I’m working on” – @brokencool

brokencoolPublicist/Writerbrokensocial inc.Toronto, Canada

CED:

Professional, reliable, open to various ideas, thinks outside the box, willing to give others opportunities. Identifies synergies between his passion/business and the passion/business of others. Works well with others.

Willing to help others, returns calls and messages. A person of integrity.

Big Ced is a passionate about the creative process of entertainment in all forums. He cares about the integrity of vision, relationships,and networking. I have never known Ced not to be a man of his word. I have never worked side-by-side you to know your temperament. I have never argued with you or cried because of you to determine whether you are selfish, mean, judgmental, etc. The Ced that I’ve always known for 20+ years has been a consistent friend who never stopped answering his phone for me whether I was on a hit show or unemployed. I know that you follow-through with your plan,you create opportunity for yourself and others and you work harder than most. I respect you!

Big Lez

Who is Big Ced? Someone that is always smiling! Someone that is always trying to make sure that he looks out for you. Someone that does not ask of much in return. And someone that knows people. Big Ced is an amazing and accomplished journalist and networker. Big Ced is a veteran and if you do not know him… Stop asking who is Big Ced and get to know him.

BIG CED is an anomaly. If I’m being frank, I have no idea how to describe what he does for a living. Is he a party promoter? A writer? An industry socialite? Probably all of the above. He’s basically Tommy from “Martin.” We know he works, but where?! What I do know for sure is that BIG CED is kind, he’s reliable, he’s got a winning smile and everyone in the biz has him on their NYC invite list. And I am glad to know him. Keep on truckin’ BIG CED!

Tynicka BattleCEO & FounderTynicka Battle DigitalPrinceton, NJ

Big Ced is an industry legend. He is not only a real journalist but is a leader with an inclusive attitude. I am always grateful for Big Ced giving me my first interview.

Syreta OglesbyOwnerSJO PRNew York, NY

“CED is the plug; simple as that.”

Martin Berrios Senior Marketing ProfessionalNew York, NY

You are an innovator who was ahead of his time as it relates to digital and blogs. You are also very kind and humble . Your life has been about promoting and helping others when so many people are all about self-promotion especially in the entertainment business. I know you have been in the business for a while but I hope you continue to fulfill your purpose as a top creator of content.